Farrell steps aside for Wong on Senate ticket

One of the factional powerbrokers who helped remove Kevin Rudd as prime minister has decided to give up his number one spot on Labor's Senate ticket in favour of Finance Minister Penny Wong.

On the weekend, the South Australian Labor Party decided to put Senator Don Farrell in the top spot for next year's federal election, sparking an internal feud about factionalism.

But he has told ABC local radio in Adelaide this morning that he has decided to vacate his position to make way for his senior frontbench colleague.

"I certainly don't want to be part of anything that detracts from the rise of the Labor Party between now and the next election - I'm still very confident that Julia can in fact win that election," Senator Farrell said.

"I want to be part of the team that gets her (Ms Gillard) re-elected, and I think the best thing I can do for the party right at the moment is to vacate the number one spot."

Senator Farrell says he told Prime Minister Julia Gillard of his decision yesterday afternoon, and has rejected suggestions that being put ahead of Senator Wong in the first place was sexist.

"I was the bloke who backed the first female prime minister of this country. I mean, that is not a sexist thing to do," he said.

Senator Wong has released a statement describing Senator Farrell as a "man of great standing" within the party.

"Throughout his career, Don has always put the Labor Party first and he has demonstrated that principle again today," Senator Wong said.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Don and my Labor colleagues for a fairer, stronger, more equal Australia."

Senior New South Wales-based Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese had threatened to ask the ALP national executive to overturn the preselection decision, describing it as a "self-indulgent" move.

This morning, he expressed confidence on ABC Radio National that common sense would prevail.

"It certainly is no shame being number two to Penny Wong," Mr Albanese said.

"She's an outstanding economic minister - she's someone who was the Labor Party's spokesperson when we came to office in 2007 in that election campaign."

Ms Gillard yesterday declined to get involved in the battle, saying the top two spots on Labor's Senate ticket were both guaranteed to win and therefore both Senator Farrell and Senator Wong would be returned after the election.

South Australian-based Labor MP Nick Champion, who backed Senator Farrell for the top spot, has described the decision to swap places as a gracious gesture.

"Don was democratically elected by the South Australian conference by the rank and file (members) of the Labor Party," Mr Champion told ABC News 24.

"You would think that people would accept democratic elections - we get lectured by the media all the time about the need for democracy in the Labor Party, and it's a great pity that some people couldn't accept that."

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said a sensible outcome had been achieved and he was pleased for Senator Wong.